Cold Weather Alert

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Today marks the start of the Cold Weather Alert System, which forms part of the Cold Weather Plan for England. To help prevent the major avoidable effects on health during cold weather periods, we are raising awareness and sharing guidance to protect the most vulnerable. 

Paying attention to cold weather is essential. Whilst it is a significant health risk for many people, simple preventative actions often could avoid many deaths, illnesses, and injuries associated with the cold.

Please use the following resource information to help ensure there is ongoing awareness and preparedness during this time: 

Top tips for keeping warm
Keeping warm and well

Cost of Living

Birmingham City Council

Are you worried about the rising cost of energy bills, food and transport? You are not alone; the cost-of-living crisis is affecting many of us. You may want help accessing grants and debt advice, support getting all the money you’re entitled to, or simply want to know more about the government’s recent support measures. Whatever your money worries may be, BCC has put together some helpful information to help you. 

Heating your Home

Birmingham City Council

BCC has produced guidance on several schemes now available to Birmingham residents to tackle fuel poverty, from free installation of central heating, switching energy supplier, support with fuel debts, energy saving measures, energy efficient appliances and more. 

Simple Energy Advice

SEA provide free advice on energy efficiency, grants and bills.

Telephone: 0800 444 202 

Winter Wellness 

Age UK

Age UK has produced guidance on keeping well this winter, including information on staying healthy, keeping spirits up, managing money, looking after each other, preparing for severe weather and getting the flu jab. 

Met Office

The Met Office has produced a range of seasonal advice to help deal with the worst weather throws at us, including guidance on travel, your home, health and wellbeing, your community and being weather ready for winter. 

SignHealth

SignHealth has produced flu vaccine guidance in British Sign Language. 

UK Health Security Agency

Information to help prevent the major avoidable effects of cold weather on health. Includes guidance on supporting vulnerable people, staying safe in cold weather (available in various languages) and action cards for settings (including commissioners, voluntary and community sector, care services and healthcare settings). 

Birmingham City Council

A network of free-to-use Warm Welcome sites is being made available across Birmingham to provide free, warm and welcoming spaces where people can come to take part in activities, access services and get practical advice and support, as well as meet members of their community. 

BCC has produced guidance on staying safe during severe weather, including dedicated information on winter weather, thunderstorms and lightning, and gales and high winds.

NHS

The NHS has produced guidance on how and why to get the Flu and Covid-19 booster vaccinations ahead of the winter period, as well as other guidance on how to stay well in winter. This information is available in in large print, audio, British Sign Language and easy read versions.